Suriname commemorated a significant milestone on Sunday, January 18th, celebrating the 40th anniversary of World Religion Day—four decades of sustained interreligious dialogue, cooperation, and community engagement. Organized by the Suriname World Religion Day Foundation, this year’s event embraced the theme ‘Together We Form the Whole – Wi Na Wan,’ emphasizing that every religious tradition and citizen constitutes an essential component of Surinamese society.
The gathering took place at the Arya Dewaker Multipurpose Hall in Paramaribo, attracting representatives from diverse faith communities, non-governmental organizations, civil society groups, and government officials. Multiple speakers addressed the audience, exploring the theme from various religious perspectives with the shared objective of highlighting common values and strengthening national unity.
World Religion Day, established in 1986, has evolved into a global initiative promoting religious harmony and mutual understanding. In Suriname—a nation renowned for its rich religious and cultural diversity—the observance holds particular significance as a symbol of peaceful coexistence amid differences.
This 40th edition underscores the Foundation’s ongoing commitment to fostering dialogue, respect, and collaboration across religious boundaries. The organization extended an open invitation for collective reflection on the unifying values that define Suriname, further solidifying the country’s exemplary role in regional religious harmony.